Alcea Week

It's the week, 2008/26, when the perennial hollyhocks, Alcea rosea, begin their long run. With their height, they compete with shrubs for attention, so that one hardly notices Fuchsia magellanica coming into bloom. Also closer to ground level, Hypericum is putting on a good show. Cresting into flower are some wonderful Lilium Division 1 hybrids, the 'Grand Paradiso' lilies. In a nearby street, Stockflethweg, an extraordinarily beautiful mature Philadelphus, perhaps 'Belle Etoile', comes into its own this week. Its height about 3.5 metres is covered with square, white flowers.